Functionalism Worksheet

 

Task 1 Society as an organism

 

What do functionalists mean by this? To help us understand the concept, it helps to compare society to the human body.

Organise yourselves into groups of 3 or 4. Your tutor will allocate your group a body part.

In your group, discuss the function of this body part (don't worry if you don't know the correct scientific terms, a rough description will do!). What would be the consequences if it malfunctioned or was removed?

Write your thoughts below (diagrams if you wish!):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Task 2 Socialisation

For many of you, this will be revision. However, the concept is key to the functionalist approach and it will do no harm to make sure everyone understands it!

  1. What do we mean by 'socialisation'?

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  2. Give a brief definition of the following terms:

 

  1. What do we mean by primary and secondary socialisation?

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  2. Give examples of three institutions that are involved in socialisation in this society and explain the values you gained from them: